Quantitative two/three-dimensional spatial characterization and fluid transport prediction of macro/micropores in Gaomiaozi bentonite

The sealing performance of a bentonite barrier is highly dependent on its seepage characteristics, which are directly related to the characteristics of its pore structure. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and focused ion beam-SEM (FIB-SEM), the pore structure of bentonite was characterized at different scales. First, a reasonable gray threshold was determined through back analysis, and the image was binarized based on the threshold. In addition, binary images were used to analyze bentonite's pore structure (porosity and pore size distribution). Furthermore, the effects of different algorithms on the pore structure characterization were evaluated. Then, permeability calculations were performed based on the previous pore structure characteristics and a modified permeability prediction model. For permeability prediction based on the three-dimensional model, the effect of pore tortuosity was also considered. Finally, the accuracy of numerical calculations was verified by conducting macroscopic gas and alcohol permeability experiments. This approach provides a better understanding of the microscale mechanism of gas transport in bentonite and the importance of pore structures at different scales in determining its seepage characteristics.